A Note from the Superintendent
Welcome to October! Fall is officially here, bringing cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and a wonderful rhythm to our school year. As we settle into our new routines, there is much to celebrate and much to look forward to across Northampton County Public Schools. This month, we are focusing on several important themes—from strengthening literacy and supporting student well-being to recognizing the dedicated leaders who guide our schools each day. As we continue Guiding the Voyage, October offers another opportunity to celebrate the progress we are making, highlight the people who make a difference in our students' lives, and continue building a strong foundation for the rest of the school year.
As we approach Parent-Teacher Conference Night on October 7, 2026, I want to encourage our families to take advantage of this important opportunity to connect with their child's teachers. These conversations give parents and teachers a chance to discuss student progress, celebrate successes, identify areas where additional support may be needed, and work together to help each student continue to grow. Strong communication between home and school is an important part of student success, and we appreciate our families' partnership in supporting our students throughout the school year. Please check out your school’s Parent-Teacher Conference links to schedule your conference, or call the main office at 757-678-5151 for assistance.
Here are 10 quick updates and helpful resources designed to keep you connected with our schools and informed about upcoming events and initiatives this October.
Educationally yours,
Lisa L. Martin, Ph.D.
Superintendent, Northampton County Public Schools
1. Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 through October 15 every year, we proudly celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. This special time invites us to honor the rich histories and vibrant cultures of Hispanic and Latino Americans in our community and nation. We see this as an opportunity for our families to feel proud and connected, sharing stories and traditions that strengthen our community bonds. We encourage families to continue sharing learning experiences together at home!
2. National Principals Month
October is National Principals Month, and we are so grateful for the dedicated leaders who guide our schools every day:
Mrs. Kathy McCowan at Occohannock Elementary School
Dr. Ron Yorko at Kiptopeke Elementary School
Mr. John Killmon at Northampton Middle School
Mr. Justin Wheeler at Northampton High School
Our principals pour their hearts into creating safe, welcoming, and inspiring spaces where students and staff can thrive. They balance instructional leadership, safety, and community care with endless energy and passion. Please join us this month in sending a quick note of thanks to your school’s principal!
3. Building Strong Homework Habits
Homework serves as a wonderful bridge between classroom learning and the conversations you have with your child at home. Establishing a gentle, regular routine can help your child feel more confident and responsible, inspiring a sense of pride in their progress. Setting aside a quiet, comfortable space for study time can make a world of difference. We encourage families to feel empowered to create supportive routines at home!
4. Caring for One Another: Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to reinforce the kindness, empathy, and respect that define our school community. We are deeply committed to ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and included whenever they walk through our doors. Throughout the month, students will engage in meaningful activities focused on friendship, digital citizenship, and standing up for one another. We encourage you to keep these positive conversations going at home, too. To learn more information and find bullying prevention resources, please visit our Bullying Prevention webpage.
5. Understanding State Assessments
Upcoming state assessments give us a valuable look at how our students are growing and learning over time. Rather than a test to fear, these assessments help our teachers celebrate student progress and pinpoint areas where extra support might help. They also ensure our classroom instruction stays aligned with strong educational standards. Encourage a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast to help your student shine on test day.
Upcoming Testing Days in October:
October 5-23: VALLSS, Grades PreK-K
October 13: PSAT / SAT School Day, Grades 11-12
October 20-27: Fall Term Grade Writing SOL Window, Grade 12 only
October 22-28: Quarter 1 Benchmarks, Grades 2-12
6. Free Support for Families: ParentGuidance.org
Parenting is a rewarding journey, but it certainly comes with its share of questions and challenges. Through our partnership with ParentGuidance.org, all Northampton families have free, confidential access to expert-led mental health courses and webinars, as well as one-on-one parent coaching. Whether you’re navigating childhood anxiety, bedtimes, or general stress, this platform offers practical, compassionate advice. Explore these free resources and more on our mental health and wellness webpage.
7. National School Lunch Week
Step right up! National School Lunch Week is October 12-16, and this year’s theme - Cafeteria Circus - puts healthy school meals center stage. A balanced lunch provides the steady energy and focus our children need to shine both in and out of the classroom. Our amazing school nutrition team works wonders every day, serving delicious, wholesome options that fuel active minds and bodies. We encourage all of our families to explore our lunch menus this month and join us in thanking the dedicated staff who make every mealtime a success!
8. Inspiring Literacy & Free Parent Course
Fostering a love for reading is a shared journey, and we are excited to offer a free, self-paced Parent Literacy Course for all families in partnership with Sterling Literacy Consulting. This flexible online resource breaks down the science behind how children learn to read and why early literacy matters. You will gain simple, practical tools to build your child’s reading confidence at home, on your schedule. Get started today by visiting the Sterling Literacy Consulting Parent Literacy Course website.
9. National School Bus Safety Week
National School Bus Safety Week is October 19-23 and serves as a crucial reminder of how important school buses are to our entire community. Our school buses are extensions of our classrooms, and our transportation team works hard every day to keep our children safe on the road. Please remember to slow down in school zones and always come to a complete stop whenever the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. Our bus drivers and monitors love being the first smiling faces your children see each morning, and with your help, we can make sure every trip to and from school is a safe one!
10. On the Horizon: Looking Ahead
As we jump ahead into October, the changing season brings fresh energy, autumn focus, and wonderful opportunities for our students to keep shining. We love the enthusiasm and hard work our students have shown thus far into the school year, and we look forward to continuing that strong momentum together.
Please mark your calendars for these exciting and important dates coming up in October.
October 1-9: NMS/NHS Book Fair, 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Media Center
October 2: KES Picture Day
October 3: NHS Homecoming Dance, 6 p.m.
October 5: Interim Grade Reports Go Home
October 7: Early Dismissal & Parent-Teacher Conferences
Early Dismissal Times:
QUEST @ 11:45 a.m.
NMS/NHS @ 12:45 p.m.
KES/OES @ 1:30 p.m.
October 8: OES Picture Day
October 8: School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., 7207 Young St., Machipongo
October 14: KES 5th & 6th Grade Performances at PTA meeting, 5:30 p.m.
October 16: NMS Halloween Dance, 5 p.m.
October 30: End of Quarter 1
November 2-3: No School for Students (Teacher Work Day & PD Day)
November 6: Report Cards Go Home